PDA 101
The "P" in PDA stands for
Positive
Turn “Good sharing!” into a stronger PDA.
“You gave Leo a turn with the dump truck. That helped you both keep playing.”
How can you use a PDA in this moment? A child puts one toy into the cleanup bin after tantruming for 40 minutes and destroying the classroom.
“You put the car in the bin. You started cleaning up!”
Identify the skill/replacement behavior: “You said, ‘Help me,’ when the zipper was hard.”
Functional communication/asking for help
PDA THIS: A child stops screaming for three seconds.
“Your voice is getting quieter. You’re starting to calm your body.”
The "D" in PDA stands for
Descriptive
Turn “Nice Job!” into a PDA for cleaning up.
“You put the animals back in their bin!”
How can you use a PDA in this moment? A child says “Help” instead of throwing a difficult puzzle.
“You asked for help when the puzzle was hard!”
Identify the skill/replacement behavior: “You handed Ava a block when she asked.”
Sharing/turn taking
PDA THIS: A child gives back one of three grabbed toys.
“You handed one truck back. You’re starting to fix the problem.”
The "A" in PDA stands for
Acknowledgment
Turn “Great listening!” into a stronger PDA.
“You stopped, looked at me, and followed the direction.”
How can you use a PDA in this moment? A child waits five seconds for a turn before winning.
“You kept your hands to yourself while you waited for the shovel.”
Identify the skill/replacement behavior:“You waited while Jordan finished using the bike.”
Waiting/turn-taking/delayed gratification
PDA THIS: A child takes one step and then sits down after refusing a transition.
“You started walking toward the classroom. You’re getting your body ready to transition.”
The formula for a good PDA is...
Formula: name the action + describe why it matters
Turn "Thats cool!" into a PDA for an art project.
"Look at your house, I can tell how hard you worked on that! You are a really good artist!"
How can you use a PDA in this moment? A child who frequently runs away stays with the class during half of the transition.
“You stayed with our class all the way to the gate. You’re practicing safe walking!”
Identify the skill/replacement behavior: “You told Sam, ‘Stop,’ and kept your hands safe.”
Using words/problem-solving/emotional regulation/self advocacy
PDA THIS: A child raises a hand but also calls out.
“You remembered to raise your hand. You’re practicing how to get a turn to talk.”
Why is "Good Job" not considered a PDA?
It does not meet the formula criteria! Needs to be specific!
Turn “I love how you’re behaving!” into a PDA.
“You’re keeping the playdough on the table and sharing the tools with your friends.”
How can you use a PDA in this moment? A child hits a peer and then runs over to the calm corner.
"You went to the break area all by yourself! You know what to do when you need to calm your body."
Identify the skill/replacement behavior: “You were disappointed when center time ended, and you still walked to the carpet.”
Frustration tolerance/transitioning
PDA THIS: A child says “fine I'll take a F*%#$ing break you B#*%@!
“You used your words to ask for a break. I heard you!”